The German was the Gunners’ star signing in 2013 as he joined in a big-money move from Real Madrid.

As it was in Spain, he has since become a key cog in the Arsenal midfield, with this season in particular seeing him form fruitful partnerships with the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and particularly Alexis Sanchez up front.

And while he insists that he has always felt comfortable in England, he admits there were times when he found the going a little tough.

“Yes, there were times when it was really difficult for me but now everything is going very well. The team are successful and I feel so at home here because of the way in which I was received by the whole squad.”

The midfielder has also admitted that the lack of a winter break is definitely something that has an adverse affect on player fitness.

Most leagues around Europe take time off during the winter months to allow players to rest but England does not, and it is one of the main factors new arrivals must accommodate themselves to when moving from another league.

And Ozil says that, coupled with the World Cup in the summer, was what saw him pick up a knee injury that left him missing for three months of last season.

“In my first season, not having a winter break meant that I could notice my body becoming tired,” he added.

“I had the World Cup after my first season here. It was such a great time but when I came back, the fitness coach said that even though I felt fit, the freshness was missing. I continued to give everything to help the team and that’s how I got my injury.”

Sean Lunt

Sean Lunt is a Journalism and Spanish graduate with a passion for football. As an avid Everton fan he has survived the Walter Smith era, enjoyed the resurgence under David Moyes and is now wholly embracing the Spanish revolution with Roberto Martinez. Away from Everton he follows the rest of the football league and has a particular interest in La Liga.